What unpardonable sin has American Girl Place, the maker of historical dolls for girls, committed? According to this article from de Volkskrant of The Netherlands, the Pro-Life Action League of Chicago, which has begun a nationwide crusade against the company's wildly popular dolls, says that the American Girl donated money to, 'a radical-feminist group.'

CHICAGO: A retail chain that encourages young girls to be "strong, smart and bold," was targeted by a group of protesters that consider dolls like Molly, Kit and Felicity to be a cover-up for radical-feminists.

It is a grim confrontation on a rainy Friday night. Young girls in the freezing cold, walk around in circles in front of the high-end American Girl Place store; they are carrying large signs that say they are against abortion. Their parents are standing on the side and watching them.

"It is shocking and appalling," says Linda Parcifull, spokesperson of the American Girl retail chain. "These protesters use their children to convey an inappropriate and false message to benefit their own political agenda."

American Girl Place in Chicago

It's the day after Thanksgiving, when Americans almost ritually celebrate family life and values. Traditionally on the Friday after Thanksgiving, a completely different ritual takes place. On what is known as "Black Friday" people go on a destructive shopping spree. Stores open extra early, often as early as 6 am. The image of a rush, or more accurately a plundering, comes to mind.Ý

Shoppers on 'Black Friday' Scramble for Bargains.

The Christmas spirit has already descended on downtown Chicago. Christmas carols can be heard from speakers in stores, "soldiers" from the Salvation Army, dressed in their red capes, are waving their collecting boxes, and ladies in fur coats have their drivers drop them off in front of huge warehouses.

But in front of the festive store window of the American Girl Place on Chicago Avenue, you can see the protesters. The message is clear: people should boycott the store and make the "evildoers: surrender. "Don't buy here," they proclaim.

Few retail chains are more committed to American values than American Girl. The chain encourages American girls between the ages of three and twelve "to dream, to grow, to aspire, to create."

The dolls are used to convey stories of traditional American values like pride and dedication. Felicity and Elizabeth, for example, are two best friends from the American civil war era, around 1860. Together they stand united against the differences that keep their parents at odds. And then there is Kit, who grows up during the Great Depression of the 30s, and who faces life with determination. Or Molly, a child of war overflowing with patriotism.

The World War II Era Doll, Molly

It's all about identifying. "Although these girls lived in the past, their stories of hope, courage, friendship and discovery have links with the present," says American Girl. "The doll characters show girls that you can accomplish anything if you stay true to yourself and follow your inner light."

Most of the buying takes place on the Internet, but in three big stores in the most expensive cities of the United States - New York, Los Angeles and Chicago - you can see just how far that inner light shines. Besides the dolls and outfits for every occasion imaginable, there are many books for sale that advertise a more wholesome way of life. In Real Spirit, for example, you can learn how to "make that part of you stronger, deep down inside of you, that helps you stay calm when the world around you is collapsing."

Together with Samantha or Felicity, or whatever your doll's name is, you can have lunch at the stores. Your doll is also invited to the table and even has her own chair. You can celebrate your birthday at the store, together with Molly or Kit. And for Elizabeth you can make an appointment at the hairdresser's, especially for the dolls.

American Girl is a raving success. Last year they sold 11 million dolls. American Girls' sales were almost $400 million.

So why does this good old American company need to be exposed?

Because according to some, it is a wolf in sheep's clothing. American Girl donated $50,000 to an organization called Girl Inc. Moreover, the company sells I CAN bracelets that carry holistic messages like "I can be myself, follow my dreams and always do the best I can," all the profits from which go to Girl Inc.

American Girl calls Girl Inc. a national movement that aims to inspire all girls to be "strong, smart and bold." Girl Inc. has been around for over 140 years and mainly serves the daughters of single mothers.

"The more you read about it, the more you discover that it is nothing but a radical-feminist group," says Ann Scheidler, director of the Pro-Life Action League of Chicago. Until recently, American Girl Dolls were extremely popular in religious conservative circles. But now the tides have turned. Scheidler is the self-appointed spokesperson. "American Girl always pretended to defend American values," she says. "Those are Christian values. But now we discover that they support an organization that speaks out for abortion and a lesbian way of life. It is horrifying."

She brought hot chocolate for her fellow protesters, several dozen of them, and flyers for shoppers that call for a boycott of the store. Apparently they haven't had much luck. The store remains incredibly busy.

Wanda Glitz, wearing a red coat and hat, says: "Sooner or later the people will discover that American Girl cannot be trusted." She brought her three daughters, sixteen-year-old twins and the youngest of eight. The two oldest, she says, goes to a private Catholic school, the youngest is home-schooled. "These days you have to be cautious."

The girls own five American Girl dolls, and not one more will be added to their collection. "I've spoken to my girls. Of course they understand. When my youngest was as young as four years old, she already knew that fetuses are being killed. I told her: "You live. Show your gratitude and never ever ask for an American Girl doll again.'"

Mrs. Glitz points out "the wonderful alternatives." There is the Blessings organization that offers three Catholic dolls: the Catholic schoolgirl, the communion girl, and the Catholic nun doll. Glitz: "Our girls think they're great."

So far, American Girl is unimpressed. "They are politicizing our donation," says spokesperson Parcifull. "There are millions of girls in the U.S. that are being left behind. We are trying to help them. That is all."

The other party shows equal determination.

Ann Scheidler: "It's about time we teach American industry a lesson. Don't be mistaken, we have a countrywide network, we are powerful, they will feel it."